Torbay MP calls for rail fare freeze as ticket prices set to soar

Rail fares are expected to rise by 5.8% next year – a move that Torbay’s Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling says would be “nothing other than a slap in the face to ordinary people”.

The increase, due in 2026, would follow the government’s long-standing policy of linking regulated rail fares to July’s Retail Price Index (RPI), which came in at 4.8%. If ministers stick with last year’s approach of adding an extra percentage point, passengers face one of the steepest rises in years.                                         

Mr Darling said rising fares would hit Torbay commuters who already face unreliable services.

“At a time of rising cancellations and in the midst of a cost of living crisis, commuters shouldn’t be expected to fork out more and receive less. Increasing rail fares now would be nothing other than a slap in the face to ordinary people right here in Torbay,” he said.

“What started out as chaos under the Conservatives has moved on to more complacency under Labour. Commuters deserve better than just the same raw deal given under new management. Raising fares is a false economy that will only drive down passengers and revenue in the long run.

“The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to do more to get more people onto trains, to freeze rail fares and to give commuters in Torbay a reliable service and fair deal.”

Almost half of all rail journeys in England use regulated tickets, such as season tickets on commuter routes. These are set directly by Westminster, with similar caps usually applied in Scotland and Wales.

If the 5.8% rise goes ahead, the cost of many season tickets will increase by hundreds of pounds. The cost of an annual season ticket between Paignton and Exeter would rise by around £180, taking it to over £3,250, while a Torquay to London annual pass could rise by more than £350, costing passengers upwards of £6,500.

Passenger groups say such increases risk pushing people off trains at a time when food and energy bills are already squeezing households.

Bruce Williamson, from the campaign group Railfuture, said: “When you have got increasing food prices it is making life harder for your average person who is trying to get work. It is about time rail travellers got a break rather than motorists being sweetened up every time.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “The transport secretary has made clear her No 1 priority is getting the railways back to a place where people can rely on them.

“No decisions have been made on next year’s rail fares but our aim is that prices balance affordability for both passengers and taxpayers.”